Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

‘Arrow’ signs on the way out in Topeka

The arrow-shaped “portable message center signs” that have been present for decades in Topeka will be banned here beginning in a little more than a year.

Mayor Michelle De La Isla and city council members voted 9-1 late Tuesday, with Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz dissenting, to pass an ordinance making various changes to the city’s sign code aimed at making it more user friendly and improving the city’s attractiveness.

The ordinance revises city rules regarding such things as the design, placement, size and height of public signs.

First annual singing contest will celebrate city’s 150th

If you’ve got a good set of pipes, you might be able to win some cash in an upcoming singing contest.

The Derby Recreation Commission is inviting residents to “sing their hearts out” next month at the first annual Derby Sing Off, an all-ages contest celebrating the city’s 150th anniversary.

The DRC began accepting registrations for the contest in August and will accept audition videos until Sept. 13. Once registered, participants will be instructed on how to record and submit a demo video.

Marion County roads need work, more to it though

Not only do the residents of Marion County say that the roads of the county need work, Marion County Road Engineer Brice Goebel, would agree.

“I’ve only been here (in the position) since June 4. I’ve got tremendous amounts of rainfall, large amounts of very intense amounts that have exacerbated the problem of ditches being full, drainage problems, trees being in there, and just maintenance issues that all need to be addressed. And the rain just came down all over the county. I’ve just been hit everywhere. Mostly up in the north and west part of the county but then all of that water goes south,” said Goebel.

Not only did Goebel come into a newly created position that would have been difficult given the condition of the roads, but he was quickly hit with major flooding in the first 30 days of the job. An already difficult job became almost impossible for him.

(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)

Dodge City International Fest set for Sept. 15

A celebration of diversity, ethnicity and culture will come together Seept. 15 the Dodge City International Festival.
The event is part of National Welcoming Week and will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 2nd Avenue near the El Capitan statue.
This family event will feature food and beverage vendors, art, entertainment and more. The festival was made possible through Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce Multicultural Committee, Dodge City Public Library, Dodge City Cultural Relations Advisory Board and the Southwest Kansas Library System.

(Read more: Dodgeglobe.com – news,news/)

A Torch is being passed in Andover City Administration!

Mark Detter, who has been the City Administrator for Andover since March of 2015, has submitted his letter of resignation. He has accepted a new challenge, taking the City Manager position in Valdez, AK. His final day will be September 20.

In an effort to ensure continuity for the community, the city staff, and operations, the City Council approved a contract with current Assistant City Administrator, Jennifer McCausland to assume the role of City Administrator. McCausland has been in her role as Assistant City Administrator for 9 years. She served as the interim City Administrator for several months during the search to fill the position the end of 2014-2015.

Source: Facebook and City of Andover.

Wichita leaders get feedback on scooter popularity, concerns

Wichita city leaders get feedback on the addition of scooters and how the new rides fit into the city’s transportation future.

The scooters gained popularity in the short time they’ve been in Wichita. The numbers tell the story, showing how much people enjoy the riding them.

Roxanne Aubrey is among those who enjoy having scooters downtown. She and other stylists at the House of Hair salon are using the scooters for a team-building scavenger hunt.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Garden City’s 93rd Annual Community Mexican Fiesta this weekend

This weekend’s Garden City Community Mexican Fiesta marks 93 years since its beginning in 1926, and people throughout southwest Kansas are invited to celebrate Sept. 13-14 with the theme of “Abrazando Cultura,” meaning “Embracing Culture.”

“People began emigrating to Garden City from Mexico at the dawn of the 20th Century,” said Angelica Castillo Chappel, Fiesta president. “The ethic of hard work, strong faith and devotion to family and community that these immigrants brought is something to be truly proud of. This ethic has been passed down from generation to generation, just like the tradition of our community-wide fiesta. We welcome everyone to join in the celebration as we all embrace our cultures.”

(Read more: Greater Garden City » Feed)

From boarding school to museum, Shawnee Indian Mission seeped in history

The Rev. Thomas Johnson may not be a household name, but residents of Johnson County, patrons of the Shawnee Mission School District and those in the Shawnee Mission U.S. Postal area are beholden to him.

In 1830, Johnson arrived in unorganized Kansas Territory as a missionary at the behest of Shawnee Indian Chief Fish, who wanted a training school for Native American children. Fish was born William Jackson, then adopted and renamed by the Shawnee, said historian John Forbes.

(Read more: KC Star Local News)

Goddard school district plans to sue manufacturers, distributors and sellers of e-cigs

The Goddard USD Board of Education of Monday night passed a resolution authorizing Wagstaff & Cartmell, L.L.P to initiate litigation and file suit “against manufacturers, distributors and sellers of electronic cigarettes and vaping products.”

Goddard Public Schools is holding a press conference at 1 p.m. today at the Central Administration Center to announce the district’s action.

The Goddard Board of Education in a statement said that they believe electronic cigarettes and vaping products are extremely harmful to our current and future students.

They add, “it is our responsibility to support and protect the physical, social and emotional well-being of our students.”

(Read more: KSN-TV)

County commissioner wants solar panels at tag offices

Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse wants to put solar panels at the two county tag offices.

The cost is about a quarter of a million dollars, but Cruse says the panels will pay for themselves.

“These solar panels are expected to last 30 to 40 years, and we will then have to replace those but once we pay them back in 12 to 13 years, we’ll see a savings of $15,000 a month,” said Cruse.

If the plan proves successful, the county would like to add solar panels to other county buildings.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Lake Fort Scott concerns push city to form advisory board

The lake covers about 200 acres in Southeast Kansas.

And, residents on the lake are having concerns about safety on the water, such as how many boats are out and how fast people are going.

And when it comes to further developing the area, the city says they would need to take a closer look at their zoning policies to see what can be done.

City leaders are hopeful the formation of this new group provides insight on issues to get them figured out once and for all.

Administrator discussion tabled, but public input still sought

A discussion item on the Reno County Commission’s Tuesday agenda on desired traits in a new county manager was delayed until next week due to the absence of the commission chairman.

Vice-Chairman Ron Hirst said he wanted to put off the discussion until all the commissioners were present.

Commissioner Ron Sellers voiced concern, however, that the discussion needed to occur quickly or it could the selection process. The two agreed the commission should try again next week to have the discussion.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Mission, Roeland Park push for negotiations on deannexation process along shared border

Mission and Roeland Park are struggling to resolve a conflict over the terms to switch ownership of seven-tenths of an acre along a shared border of the two cities. But out of an effort to value the two cities’ history of working together on other issues, the cities have agreed to revisit negotiations on those terms in the next several days.

The plot of land in question is located on the northeast corner of Johnson Drive and Roe Boulevard. Both cities agree that under a deannexation agreement, Roeland Park would take over half of the financial responsibility for the traffic signal at Johnson and Roe, and Roeland Park would pay for expenses incurred in the deannexation process.

Shawnee Mission superintendent announces 3 new advisory groups, says much work will be open to public observation

The Shawnee Mission School District is set to convene three groups tasked with fleshing out parts of the recently completed strategic plan, Superintendent Michael Fulton announced on Monday — and the groups’ work will be open and observable to the public.

That openness is a notable change from the work of the Digital Learning Task Force, which met earlier this year in closed door meetings and whose work was criticized by some members as being “designed to silence critics and stifle debate.” The Shawnee Mission Post filed a Kansas Open Meeting Act violation complaint against the district for closing the Digital Learning Task Force meetings from observers. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office informed the Post this summer that it was continuing to investigate the complaint.

Edwardsville Police Officer to be Honored for Life-Saving Event

On September 23, 2019, the City of Bonner Springs will recognize Edwardsville Police Officer Michael Hart for a recent event where the officer provided life-saving assistance for a community member in need.

Officer Hart was attending a concert during his off-duty hours where he came into contact with an unconscious individual. Officer Hart then provided CPR to the individual. The act is attributed as a major reason why the individual remains alive today.

Merriam Police Officer Receives Life Saving Award

A 61-year-old Merriam woman’s heart stopped beating on a warm, afternoon last month. When Merriam police arrived at her home, Master Police Officer Matthew Hirsch sprang into action and performed CPR for several minutes.

The woman survived thanks to his efforts and those of the Overland Park Fire Department and Johnson County Med-Act, who arrived shortly after to help during the medical call. She has since made a full recovery.

For his quick actions, MPO Hirsch received a Life Saving Award during the City Council meeting on Sept. 10.

(Read more: Merriam, KS news)

Inadvertently mixed chemicals lead to minor haz-mat situation at Mission wastewater facility

Firefighters from Consolidated Fire District No. 2 and the Overland Park Fire Department were called in to assist Johnson County Wastewater after chemicals were accidentally mixed inside a wastewater treatment substation.

Johnson County Wastewater called for the fire department to respond to the substation, located at 5395 MartwayStreet in Mission, about 10:30 Monday morning and were on scene until about 4 p.m. The facility is directly behind the fire-damaged Mission Bowl building.

Overland Park officials sour on plans for Metcalf site once touted as textbook case for tax incentives

The Metcalf Crossing project that was once touted by Overland Park leaders as a textbook example of how tax incentives can be used to remove blight was delayed again Monday, after the city council balked at plans to replace retail pad sites with a car wash.

Instead of approving a revised plan and special use permit, council members said they’d take up the matter at their Oct. 7 meeting. Delaying action would give them a chance to take a second look the tax incentive package they approved for the project.

Great Bend school district seeking feedback following failed bond issue

USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton says he would like to put together information to present to the Board of Education to see what the next plan is following a failed bond issue. Thexton addressed the board Monday night following last week’s results from a mail-in ballot that rejected a $44.87 million school bond issue. Part of that information will include how other districts across the state have responded once a bond issue election failed.

“We understand the sensitivity of taxes and some have more ‘skin in the game’ and we get that too,” said Thexton. “We want to make something that is agreeable by the majority of the community and make our district the best it can be with what we have.”

So, when can a bond be presented to the voters again? Thexton says only one school bond can be presented to voters per calendar year and there has to be enough money under the state’s bond cap.

Discussion with SJCF Architects will continue but with no extra cost to the district.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Earthquake, two aftershocks reported in Rooks County

The Kansas Geological Survey has reported an earthquake and two aftershocks in Rooks County during the weekend.

The organization says a 3.7 magnitude quake was recorded Sunday morning about 9 miles west of Plainville. That was followed Sunday night be aftershocks of 2.4 and 2.2 magnitude.

Geological Survey data shows 49 earthquakes have been reported this year in the northwest Kansas county. The strongest was a 4.8 magnitude on June 22.

The Kansas Corporation Commission currently is investigating about a dozen earthquakes near Hutchinson in Reno County, including several in mid-August. Two quakes with a magnitude of 4.2 were recorded three days apart in the county, where 31 quakes have been reported this year.

(Read more: Hays Post)

Scammers impersonating United Way staff offer cash grants for personal information

The United Way warns Kansans to be on guard after a pair of reports in the eastern U.S. about scammers claiming to represent the organization to get personal information.

“Recently two United Ways, one in Pennsylvania and another in Alabama, reported similar occurrences where individuals were duped by scammers claiming to be associated with United Way,” the organization says.

These calls were different, but included similarities the United Way says are “striking.”

(Read more: KWCH News)

Wichita in top third for public transportation, says WalletHub

The personal finance website Wallethub released its 2019’s Cities with the Best & Worst Public Transportation survey Tuesday.

“Wichita ranked 29th overall,” said analyst Jill Gonzalez. “We did look at 100 cities here in terms of their public transportation. That’s in the top third, definitely something to be proud of. It did particularly well when it comes to its safety and reliability of public transportation.”

Wichita was 7th in that ranking.

“We looked at three things there,” said Gonzalez. “We looked at the public transit safety and security events per miles traveled. That would be things like collisions, derailment, fires, security. Those number of events were relatively low. We also looked at injuries and fatalities per passenger miles traveled.”

(Read more: WIBW News Now)

Goessel museum features ‘Russian Mennonite Clocks and More’

Examples of timepieces spanning two centuries of design and craftsmanship are now on display at the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum. “Time to Celebrate: Russian Mennonite Clocks and More” is on exhibit through the month of September.

The oldest clocks in the museum are Russian Mennonite wall clocks with metal faces that are about 18 inches tall. A pendulum and chains hang down behind the clock’s face, making its total length about four feet.

“The museum has three of these antique Russian Mennonite wall clocks; the oldest is dated 1822,” said Fern Bartel, director of the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum. “In addition, we are displaying four Russian Mennonite wall clocks owned by Jerry and Leann Toews that are working.”

How many lazy rivers does Johnson County need? New community centers controversial

Inside Lenexa’s new, resplendent recreation center, couples play pickleball, kids zoom through water slides and parents float down the lazy river.

The $35.5 million Lenexa Rec Center opened two years ago, and so far, center manager John Forbis said, it’s exceeded expectations. More members are signing up to swim, take classes and sweat through workouts. And the center is hosting more events, Forbis said, including around 20 birthday parties each weekend.

Now other cities throughout Johnson County are looking to build their own shiny, new fun palaces. But with taxpayers often footing a large chunk of the bill, the projects have come with their own controversies. And those who haven’t hopped on the bandwagon yet are starting to wonder whether they should.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

First hearing scheduled in Pretty Prairie Wind lawsuit

A Reno County judge has finally scheduled a hearing in the lawsuit filed in July by NextEra Energy and some 69 landowners challenging the denial of a conditional-use permit for a proposed wind farm in the southeast quadrant of Reno County.The hearing, set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30 before District Judge Tim Chambers, however, is just to determine whether 18 landowners who filed protest petitions against the Pretty Prairie Wind permit can join the lawsuit as defendants.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Lawrence board votes to recommend allowing 2 houses per lot with certain restrictions

The city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board has approved a proposal that would allow two houses to be built on one lot if both homes are affordable, supporting recent changes restricting use of the so-called density bonus in some neighborhoods.

At its meeting Monday, AHAB voted unanimously to recommend the proposal, which would allow lots of a certain size to be divided in two as long as both homes are permanently designated as affordable housing. Some residents have criticized the proposal, dubbing it “double density” and saying that it will cause problems for neighborhoods.

Lawrence City Commission to consider changes to how city manages sidewalk repair requirements

City leaders will soon discuss changes to its sidewalk repair policy, which garnered strong opposition when initiated this spring in northwest Lawrence.

As part of its work session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will provide feedback to city staff on the administrative policy regarding sidewalk repairs, which are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner under city ordinance. The ordinance has been on the books for decades, but the city did not strictly enforce it until this spring. The ordinance was enforced using a process laid out in the policy, which was created last year.

Man to talk to county about wind farms

Labette County commissioners later this month will hear concerns from a rural Oswego man concerned about site placement for wind farms, especially if they get developed in Labette County.

Mel Hass visited with county commissioners Monday during the public comment period. Hass also spoke to the Parsons Planning Commission in August about its potential regulation of wind farms in the 3-mile area around Parsons. Planners agreed to restrict wind turbines in the area to 200 feet tall, which would rule out commercial wind energy. The planners will have a public hearing on the issue in October before the city commission will consider the recommendation.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Newton-area bridge over I-135 reopens

The Kansas Department of Transportation reopened the 36^th Street bridge over I-135 just south of Newton on Monday.

The 50-year-old bridge had been closed since last Tuesday, Sept. 3, so workers could repair a deteriorated section of the deck surface with a large patch and allow the repair to cure.

With continued deterioration that prompted the bridge’s closure, KDOT has decided to do a more extensive project to repair an underlying issue that has caused surface cracking. KDOT anticipates that the project will begin next spring.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

New development on the way to Riverside

For years the Riverside Academy was home to youth that were considered at-risk. Going back decades it was home to unwed mothers.

This week the Academy, formerly known as the Booth Hospital, is coming down.

“It’s bittersweet to see it go,” said Riverside resident, Chris Hagman. “It’s such a piece of history to Riverside.”

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Jewish Community Center plans $11M expansion in OP

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City is set to start work on an $11 million expansion next month.

The project, which will expand the center’s footprint by about 30%, will include a second gymnasium space and an indoor turf soccer field in addition to other spaces such as a yoga studio and a ceramics room.

CEO Jim Sluyter said the community center has raised about $11 million of the $13 million needed. The additional $2 million will go toward an endowment to maintain the building.

KDOT announces approved August bids, includes Barton, Rice and Rush counties

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects in Kansas. The letting took place Aug. 21, 2019, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

District One — Northeast

Jefferson ‑ 192‑44 KA‑5324‑01 ‑ Pavement marking on K‑192, pavement marking, 7.7 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wi., $110,638.30.

Leavenworth ‑ 92‑52 KA‑5323‑01 ‑ Pavement marking on K‑92, pavement marking, 15.4 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wi., $230,527.46.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Delano catalyst site apartments now have a name a groundbreaking date

Part of the long-awaited Delano catalyst project now has a name and a groundbreaking date.

At 3 p.m. Tuesday, Overland Park-based EPC Real Estate Group is going to break ground on 225 Sycamore, a 204-unit apartment complex that is central to the more than $50 million project of apartments, shops and a hotel just south of the Advanced Learning Library.

The development partnership settled on the 225 Sycamore name on Friday. The groundbreaking is behind on what the group originally planned but slightly ahead of latest projections.

Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center in Mission reopens after renovations

Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center in Mission reopens after renovations. The Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center in Mission has reopened after the city of Mission completed multiple renovations. These renovations include new flooring in the meeting rooms A and B and adult lounge, sanded and refinished basketball courts, and new carpet in the offices.

Municipal courts in Johnson County conducting warrant amnesty events in September. Municipal courts throughout Johnson County will conduct a Warrant Amnesty Event from Monday, Sept. 9 to Wednesday, Sept. 25. Individuals with a warrant may appear in their designated court, at the specified time, to have their warrant canceled and warrant fee waived. Individuals appearing in court during the amnesty event will not be arrested on warrants from other participating Johnson County municipal courts prior to that court’s amnesty event.

Prairie Village looking for input on design as it prepares to rebuild deteriorating skate park

Over the past few years, Prairie Village public works officials have watched as the concrete at the skate park adjacent to city hall has continued to crack and deteriorate. Now, the city is preparing to rebuild the installation — and is asking for public input on the design.

Concrete in the skate park started showing growing hairline cracks several years ago that are consistent with the alkali-silica reaction, an ailment that eventually leads to the concrete’s failure.

New sign on Main St. comes to life after months of planning

An electronic sign at the intersection of Main and Elm Sts. was turned on Thursday after months of planning and fundraising.
City electricians completed wiring from the sign base to the sign itself Aug. 28, but when the switch was thrown, the sign did not light. Workers came back Thursday to recheck all its connections and reconnect wiring.
Shortly before noon Thursday, the switch was thrown again and the sign came to life.

(Read more: Marion County RECORD)

Greensburg comes through for Twilight theater

The Kiowa County United chairman Scott Oberle and treasurer Randy Kelly presented a check in August for $10,244 to George Ryan for The Twilight Theatre and Community Auditorium in Greensburg.

Ryan, manager of the theater, said the check came just in time to pay for building insurance, which was $11,000 for the theater.

“Thanks to all of our sponsors and attendees at the fundraising event that KCU brought to town. ‘The Sons of Britches’ from Branson Mo., were a great success,” Ryan said. “These shows doubled our expectations and provided over 350 patrons a great musical experience!”

Museum to salute Hutch police history

“Hutch Heroes: Police Department” will open as an exhibit next month at the Reno County Museum, 100 S. Walnut St.

The opening event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3. Refreshments will be served and members of the K-9 unit will attend. The Reno County Sheriff Department’s armored response vehicle, the Lenco BearCat G3, also will be on site, a museum news release said.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Preserving history: Community Building project nearing completion

Wayne Burns, Public Lands and Facilities Director for McPherson, looked across the gymnasium at the Community Building, 122 E. Marlin, Thursday and puffed up with a bit of pride.

Not only because the old building is being made new again, but because of the history within its walls.

“This is the home of the Global Refiners, the first gold medal basketball team,” Burns said. “This is where they played games and practiced.”

The gymnasium, which will once again host sporting events when it reopens, will tell the story of the Globe Refiners. They are immortalized in the renovated gymnasium.

(Read more: McPherson Sentinel)

“Explore Kansas” opens Fair to more community tourism

To give more Kansas communities an opportunity to promote their local offerings during the Kansas State Fair, officials have arranged a pilot “Explore Kansas Festival” in Gottschalk Park during the Fair’s opening weekend.

Some 40 different cities or towns, representing an even larger number of state attractions, will be set up on folding tables under white tents just inside the 20th Avenue gate.

The tables will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 7 and 8.

“This takes the pressure off communities from having to commit to 10 days,” Fair Board member Karen Hibbard of Manhattan said during Friday morning’s board meeting. “To have a targeted time is more beneficial.”

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Overland Park to consider requiring developers to hold neighborhood meetings for certain projects

In an effort to satisfy residents, the Overland Park city council is considering new rules that would require developers to hold neighborhood meetings and expand the notification area for certain building projects.

The council’s community development committee Wednesday directed staff to continue crafting changes that also would simplify the labeling of projects on the city’s website and make notification signs and cards clearer. Once the plan is drafted, it will be considered by the planning commission and eventually the full city council.

(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Leawood installing temporary kinetic sculpture by John King

The Art in Public Places Initiative of the Leawood Arts Council has announced the temporary installation of a kinetic sculpture by John King. Sky Writing I is the 10th temporary installation of the “Art on Loan Program,” which provides local artists the opportunity to display their work to the residents of Leawood for one year.

(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

USD 309 eyes bond defeats in Great Bend, Newton

Voters’ rejection of school bond issues this week in Newton USD 373 and Great Bend USD 428 “has got to be a red flag,” said Dan Schweizer, chairman of the Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 Board of Education.

USD 309 has a $29.9 million bond issue on the November ballot. It would trigger a greater property tax hike than the increase proposed in Newton or Great Bend school districts.

Voters in Great Bend USD 428 rejected two bond issue proposals in a mail ballot election Thursday. The first question sought $41.75 million in bonds for safety and security renovations and other improvements. The plan also would have added a wing to Great Bend Middle School to accommodate the addition of the district’s sixth-graders. Pre-kindergarten would have been offered at all elementary schools.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Roeland Park approves plans for construction of Roe House replica at Nall Park

A combination of history and recreation is headed to Roeland Park. Councilmembers set a project that will bring a replica of the historic Roe House on track for completion in November 2019 after making a series of decisions on placement, design and construction during a Tuesday governing workshop meeting.

The Roe House replica will be a kid-sized playhouse located at Nall Park, as decided by the Parks committee after SFS Architecture recommended placement options for the structure. Public Works Director Donnie Schraff presented placement options within Nall Park to councilmembers, who ultimately agreed with the Parks committee recommendation to place the structure near the existing playground equipment.

Lenexa wraps up Complete Streets study, unveils draft plan for transportation in city

After more than a year of gathering data on the city’s transportation network, Lenexa has prepared a draft of its Complete Streets plan.

The city’s Complete Streets program attempts to address the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and public transit users in a comprehensive plan designed to create a safer, more connected community in all forms of transportation.

“It identifies areas where we’re looking to focus improvements to make our city a little bit more complete to provide for transportation services for all users of all ages and all abilities,” said Steve Schooley, transportation manager. “We’ve been doing I think a pretty decent job of looking at Complete Streets, but this is to give us maybe a better, more holistic approach on things.”